— "All our solidarity is with those who are close to the victims, the injured and their families.'' Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard.

— "Horrified at the news of a shooting in a mosque tonight in Quebec City. We stand with our Muslim neighbours against this act of hatred.'' NDP leader Tom Mulcair.

— "Shocking news. We just returned from Quebec City. Praying for the victims of this unspeakable crime. Those responsible must face justice.'' Interim Conservative leader Rona Ambrose.

Interim Conservative leader Rona Ambrose. (Photo: Adrian Wyld/CP)

— "Our hearts are heavy with the news out of Quebec City tonight. No one should ever fear worshiping their God in Canada.'' Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne.

— "This is heartbreaking. My thoughts are with the victims and their families tonight.'' British Columbia Premier Christy Clark.

World leaders also commented on the attack.

"Our prayers tonight are with the people of Quebec City as they deal with a terrible attack on a mosque. We must stand together.'' New York Mayor Bill de Blasio.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel's spokesman condemned the "despicable'' attack at a Quebec City mosque.

Spokesman Steffen Seibert said the German leader was shocked by the shooting during Sunday evening prayers that left six people dead.

Seibert said Monday: :If the killers intended to set people of different faiths against each other or to divide them, they must not and will not succeed in that. We stand in mourning beside the Muslim community in Quebec.''

French President Francois Hollande has condemned the "odious attack'' on a Quebec mosque and offered support for Canada's leaders.

Hollande, whose country has suffered a string of Islamic extremist attacks, said in a statement that "it was the Quebecois spirit of peace and openness that the terrorists wanted to harm'' in Sunday's attack.

Hollande, whose country has suffered a string of deadly Islamic extremist attacks, said "France stands at the sides of the victims and their families,'' and offered solidarity for Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.